Ghana’s Political Giants Gear Up for Internal Elections Amid Primary Contests and Structural Reforms

Ghana’s political landscape is reaching a fever pitch as the two major parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), embark on critical internal reorganizations ahead of the 2028 general elections. For the NPP, all eyes are on the upcoming presidential primary scheduled for January 31, 2026. The Ashanti Region has emerged as the decisive battleground, boasting over 30,000 delegates across 47 constituencies. As a traditional stronghold, the region’s massive delegate base makes it a king-maker; aspirants are shifting toward grassroots-focused campaigns to secure legitimacy and momentum. Meanwhile, the NDC is executing its own roadmap, with National Executive Elections slated for December 19 to finalize its leadership structure and strengthen internal democracy.

The NPP flagbearer race features several prominent figures, each presenting distinct visions for the party’s future. Kennedy Agyapong has appealed for unity, centering his platform on industrialization and youth job creation while explicitly rejecting "revenge politics." Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, campaigning under the slogan "Hope for All," emphasizes restoring public trust through education, STEM development, and inclusive leadership. Despite the competitive field, some party insiders, like Richard Nyama, predict a landslide victory for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, estimating a win margin between 65% and 70%. However, the race has not been without controversy; a whistleblower recently alleged a coordinated plot to undermine the primary’s integrity using unauthorized mobile apps and polling agents, prompting NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye to clarify that only the Ghana Police Service is authorized to provide security.

Parallel to the NPP’s primary, the NDC is implementing significant structural reforms to ensure fairness in its internal polls. General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey announced a "resign-to-contest" directive, requiring government appointees to step down from their roles six months prior to seeking party office. This move has received support from political scientists like Dr. Amakye Boateng, who argues it prevents the abuse of office and levels the playing field. Interestingly, NPP Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed characterized the NDC’s policy as "long overdue," noting that the NPP had already adopted similar constitutional amendments to separate party leadership from government duties.

As both parties refine their internal frameworks, the shadows of the 2024 general elections continue to influence the political discourse. Recent debates have flared over the credibility of political polling in Ghana, with veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr criticizing researchers like Prof. Smart Sarpong for inaccurate projections that favored the NPP in the previous cycle. These discussions highlight a growing demand for transparency and data integrity as the parties transition from internal reorganization to the broader national stage. The outcomes of these upcoming executive and flagbearer elections will ultimately define the strategies and leadership faces that will compete for the presidency in 2028.